Senior public policy advocate jobs in london, greater london
Could you be the impactful Programme Director we seek to lead, develop and oversee the delivery of the next stage of the Richmond Group Physical Activity Programme and We Are Undefeatable Campaign (WAU), with a budget of £8m?
This influential post is offered as a fixed-term contract ending March 2028. It will initially involve improving programme oversight and integrating the Physical Activity Programme and the We Are Undefeatable Campaign teams to enhance collaboration and ways of working. The Physical Activity Programme, a partnership with Sport England and the National Lottery, is entering an exciting new phase, which will focus on the evolution of We Are Undefeatable, from Above-The-Line to an 'always on' campaign, expanding our system influencing work, both nationally and at 'place' level, and building a powerful evidence base for how we can support the least active to move more
The role will have overall responsibility for the implementation of the strategic aims of the programme and ensure effective governance, budget oversight, and delivery of the system influencing work and WAU campaign. As Programme Director, you will extensively collaborate at leadership level with existing and new partnerships and stakeholders, parliamentarians and systems leaders to drive impactful interventions.
We operate a hybrid-working model and will require the post holder to be in our central London office a minimum of two days each week. Travel costs to our London office are not covered by the charity.
Please see role description for all responsibilities.
Essential criteria:
- Proven experience in programme management, ideally within the health sector or physical activity, in a fast-paced organisation Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership management to influence change, increase collaboration and sustainability
- Working and leading partnerships, developing and maintaining strategic and professional networks
- Experience of managing externally funded restricted income programmes.
- Effectively leading, developing and managing large multi-million-pound programmes.
- Robust financial planning, monitoring and management expertise.
- Successfully leading change and shaping innovative approaches.
- Clear and concise communicator, with excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills - able to effectively market and influence on behalf of Age UK and the Richmond Group with senior stakeholders.
- Developing and implementing a performance management strategy
Desirable criteria:
- A background in the health sector, sports science, or a related field.
- Experience working with government health initiatives or large-scale behaviour change campaigns.
- Knowledge of marketing and social media outreach strategies.
- Knowledge and experience of government reforms in relation to health sector and behaviour change.
- Understand the complexities of bringing about behaviour change.
What we offer in return:
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
- Blue Light Card Scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.
Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.
Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
For a full list of benefits please visit our website.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We are looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA (ICAEW), etc.) with a thorough practical understanding of Finance Management including management accounting principles and techniques as well as an understanding of charity accounting principles.
The Baobab Centre provides rehabilitation support to young asylum seekers and refugees who have experienced human rights abuses. Baobab provides psychotherapy, casework and advocacy as well as a wider range of community activities.
Tasks will include
· Provide high quality accounting/financial support service to the Operations Team
· Prepare, develop and analyse management accounting information
· Finance planning, budgeting, forecasting and annual accounts
·Day to day finance management of the organisation
Please read the attached Job description & person specification, and the Clinical Context and Model at Baobab document.
The Baobab Centre is a non-residential therapeutic community that offers support to young survivors of human rights abuses seeking refuge in the UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a part-time, motivated and organised Income Generation Manger to support our fundraising efforts and help grow our income. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in income generation within the charity sector. The postholder will lead on our very successful corporate sponsorship programme and will develop our individual giving programme. The role will be an opportunity to develop and lead programmes while being supported by the CEO and Senior Management Team with a chance to make a real impact.
Our mission is to support and enable individuals and communities to be connected, active and safe, which increases wellbeing and minimises crime.

£34,300 - £37,300 per year
Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Hybrid working with regular travel to our London Bridge Office
What the job involves
We’re looking for an Awareness, Engagement and Participation Senior Officer to join our Health Services, Equity and Improvement directorate.
In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our work to raise awareness and build stronger connections with those most at risk of prostate cancer. You’ll support our community engagement and participation efforts, making sure the voices of men affected by prostate cancer, and those at risk, shape what we do and how we do it. A big part of the role involves working directly with individuals and communities, helping them feel empowered and supported to get involved and make a real impact.
You’ll be the main point of contact for involving patients in projects, manage the day-to-day running of our Patient Advisory Group, and oversee our community inbox to make sure requests are responded to quickly and effectively and help to triage support requests.
Working with volunteers is another key part of the role. You’ll recruit and guide volunteers raising awareness in their communities, helping to deliver onboarding, training and ongoing support. You’ll work closely with our Volunteer Experience team to ensure everyone has a positive and meaningful experience.
You’ll regularly attend community events and find impactful ways to share our messages – particularly with communities affected by health inequalities. You’ll also help measure and evaluate the impact of our awareness and engagement work.
This is a rewarding role where you’ll meet volunteers and supporters and see the impact of our work first-hand. Together, we’re raising awareness of prostate cancer, giving men the knowledge of their risk and the power to act on it.
What we want from you
To be successful in this role you’ll be passionate about public health, awareness raising and working with people with lived experience. Patient involvement is a core principle of our organisation so understanding how that can inform and shape the charity’s work is essential.
You’ll be an excellent communicator (both in person and in writing) and able to engage clearly across a range of channels and audiences. Strong project management skills are essential, as you’ll often be juggling different tasks and working with a range of people, including patient groups, volunteers and colleagues across the charity.
You’ll be comfortable building relationships with communities, volunteers and partners, and have a good understanding of how health inequalities affect access to healthcare. Experience of working directly with communities most affected by these inequalities will be a real advantage. You’ll also be able to think creatively about how to raise awareness and broaden participation beyond traditional volunteering roles.
It’s important that you can measure and evaluate the impact of engagement and involvement work, and that you bring a thoughtful, inclusive approach to everything you do.
Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.
Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.
Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.
We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.
Ways of working
Our hybrid working approach combines the best of flexible working – a positive work/life balance, inclusive and accessible platforms, and online information at our fingertips.
Next steps
More information on what we offer, as well as the role, can be found on our vacancies page. Please download our job profile document (job description) with our ‘How to apply’ section sharing the key points to refer to in your application and to apply, please visit the website via the apply button.
The closing date is Sunday 10th August 2025. Applications must be submitted by 23:45 UK time.
Interviews: By arrangement. Currently scheduled for the week of Monday 18th August 2025.
Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We want a world where no one dies from hunger. Life-threatening hunger is predictable, preventable and treatable. Join Action Against Hunger and together we will stop it in its tracks.
Action Against Hunger is an optimistic, inspiring place to work. We want passionate and dedicated people to help build a better world. We’re a creative team made up of people with a wide range of talents, styles and expertise. But we are united in our relentless dedication to end world hunger. No challenge is too big. With you we can do it. Join us.
We are looking for a Senior Programmes Support (Maternity Cover) to join a talented team, passionate about working towards Action Against Hunger’s vision of a world free from hunger.
This is a key role that works across the Advocacy and Nutrition Departments. You’ll be providing financial, administrative and coordination support to the Programme Funding Team and Nutrition Department. You’ll support business development, identify funding opportunities, track our finances, monitor grant/contracts, and spot areas for improvement in all we do – with the independence to make those changes.You’ll also engage with other teams within Action Against Hunger UK (e.g. finance), Action Against Hunger’s International teams (country level, HQs) as well as other humanitarian organisations and agencies (e.g. UNICEF, WHO) as relevant.
We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us. For more detailed information on the role – and to see whether you have the necessary experience - please download the attached pdf Job description.
Closing Date: 25-Aug-2025 23:30 Interview Date: 1st September 2025.
Please read the following carefully before making your application: then all you need to do is send your CV and write a supporting statement explaining why you want the job and how your skills and experience make you the right person for the role and where you saw this vacancy.
- As a UK based position, candidates must have the right to work in the UK
- We welcome applications from all sections of the community and we encourage as broad a range of candidates as possible. If you need any additional support to help you through this process, please let us know (contact details in the job pack)
- Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted candidates, within two weeks of the closing date Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback
- If you experience any technical difficulties in submitting your application, please contact the charityjob helpdesk
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At Thomas Pocklington Trust, we’re promoting equality and inclusion blind and partially sighted people in every aspect of society. One of our many missions is to establish Sight Loss Councils across the UK, to tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
We are looking for an SLC Coordinator to join us to continue to grow the scope and presence we have already established in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. We are open to considering candidates who are looking for flexible part-time working as well as those who wish to work full-time. The salary would pro-rated for less than 36 hours per week.
About the role
The key purpose of the Coordinator role is to support the Senior Engagement Manager to deliver regional Sight Loss Councils across Yorkshire and Humberside and to engage with blind and partially sighted people across the region. We currently have three Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) in this region, so the postholder will be expected to work alongside the Senior Engagement Manager and coordinate the SLCs activity, focusing on the retention of the volunteers engaged and making sure the projects and work they are involved in, continue with success.
About you
You will have the passion and ability to use your lived experience to influence change, for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people. As an experienced Coordinator, you will engage and support Sight Loss Council members in the implementation of the region’s business plans to bring about change across transport, health and the built environment, as well as areas of local interest such as arts and culture or retail.
You will be a self-starter and work well on your own but will also enjoy being a part of a national team working across the country, with whom you can learn from, as well as share good practice with. Ideally you will need to live within the Yorkshire and Humberside region, as there will be travel within the region every week.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Manager Job Description
Brent Mencap has been passionate about a healthier and fairer Brent since 1979. We’ve developed and run successful housing, employment, health, advice, wellbeing and self-advocacy services. During austerity and Covid we diversified, successfully taking on NHS work with people with long-term health conditions. We provide social prescribing support and health and wellbeing coaching to patients for Brent GPs. In 2024-25 we helped over 18000 people. We’re a leading partner on the Brent Health Educators Programme.
Our income has substantially increased from £382k in 19/20 to £1.71 million in 23-24. We’ve had to adapt quickly, developing and retaining a much larger staff group, using our data better and improving our marketing.
Brent Mencap offers fantastic free creative and wellbeing activities for people with a learning disability, autism and long-term health conditions. These have flourished since Covid. People love yoga, poetry, singing, gardening, Breathe and Move, self-advocacy, campaigning, awareness raising, CREATE art activities for young people, external trips and parties. Small grants, donations and our reserves fund this while we get longer term funding. Our self-advocates want us to focus on paid employment, youth services and making Brent Council use accessible information properly.
Our current finance manager has been pivotal to Brent Mencap’s recent growth, adapting to paying more people, dealing with complicated invoices, making sure we get paid promptly, being as diligent about a project budget worth 5k as our overall budget and supportive with staff wage queries. While there is lots of data input, reconciling, processing purchase orders, the role involves real involvement in project development, monitoring with other managers and face-to-face involvement with users and staff. It’s never boring and definitely not for the faint hearted!!
As Finance Manager for Brent Mencap, you will have a key leadership position. You will be responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of our finances, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements while ensuring our services are sustainable through sound financial planning. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Trustee Board to provide accurate insights and projections that support long-term growth and resilience.
You will play a pivotal role in reviewing and maintaining our robust finance and administrative system and procedures, managing risks and ensuring our charity finances can support delivery of our mission. You will also contribute to the development of funding applications, tenders, and financial strategies. You will play a key role in supporting funding applications, demonstrating impact through financial reporting, and building processes that enable future growth.
This post is:
• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
• Please note our office base is on the first floor of a Victorian building
To be shortlisted,
· Candidates must fully complete our application form, and show clearly how their previous experience and knowledge meets all aspects of the person specification with examples given of actual actions/experience relating to the person specification. Please go to our website to complete the application by 9.00am on 28th August. We do not accept CVs
Interview details
· A 2-part Interview with senior staff will take place at Brent Mencap on Monday 8th or 15th September 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be given a paper-based scenario to complete and print at Brent Mencap before the interview
· We anticipate the interviews will take 2.0 hours with a 15-minute break between scenario and actual interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new senior role within our organisation. The Interim Head of Research and Campaigns will lead our Research function and advocacy efforts, ensuring that evidence-based insights drive our campaigns, policy work, and public engagement.
Recently kicking off our new ‘Creating Positive Change Together’ strategy, coproduced by over 130 staff, volunteers, clients and partners, Groundswell has ambitious plans around influencing more change and amplifying voices to promote healthier lives and a better future for anyone who has experienced homelessness. This role directly aligns with these strategic plans, to refine and use innovative participatory research centring lived experience, share and amplify insight from people with experience of homelessness, and increase our campaigning activities to change systems and break down the barriers that stand in people’s way to a healthier life and more hopeful future.
This role has been created on an interim basis to assess its impact and effectiveness, with a key focus on reviewing the priorities, progression and support of our Research Team and making recommendations for the future regarding this new role. The role will sit within the wider Participation, Progression and Creating Change team.
We anticipate that some form of Head of Research & Campaigning role will continue beyond this 12-month period, and this interim position will very much shape and inform that longer term role.
About us
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here.
The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.
About the role
You’ll play a key role in the delivery of our healthcare professional engagement activities. This includes supporting the delivery of our healthcare professional conference, as well as supporting engagement activities both in person and online. As well as helping to support our presence at other conferences throughout the year.
About you
You’ll have experience supporting and delivering events, both in person and online and to an agreed timeline. A well organised person with excellent communication skills, you’ll be managing relationships with key external and internal stakeholders to deliver our healthcare professional events while closely monitoring and ensuring they are delivered to budget.
You’ll enjoy working as part of a busy and high performing team. And will have excellent organisational skills, with the ability to organize your work effectively and prioritise competing deadline.
Job description and benefits
Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.
Primary location of role and hybrid working
This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.
When applying
We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement online. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.
Closing date: Monday 18 August 2025 at 9am
We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.
Interview date: Wednesday 27 August
Job Title: Food Education Network Director
Position Type: Paid/Part time
Reports to: Food Education Network Steering Group
Salary: £44,000 FTE equating to £26,400 pro rated
Location: School Food Matters, London TW9 2RD (minimum one day a week in office)
Working Hours: Three days per week
Holiday: 19 days including bank holidays that fall on working days
Pension: School Food Matters matches pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings
Contract: Fixed term for one year to be extended with successful fundraising
Background
The Food Education Network (FEN) began in 2020 as a coalition of organisations passionate about improving food education in schools and other settings to influence recommendations for the National Food Strategy.
School Food Matters is now looking for an experienced and passionate leader with skills in advocacy and communications to lead the future development of the Food Education Network and its next stage of influencing government policy around food education from early years into the secondary phase.
Main Responsibilities
The Director will build on the foundations already laid to establish the Food Education Network as a new member organisation to bring the sector together. This role will involve building close relationships with a wide range of external partners to ensure the Network is a credible voice on food education policy and is campaigning with its members to make change happen. The role will be split between governance of the network (40%) and influencing government policy (60%).
Principle Duties:
· Define and clearly present the top policy priorities around food education and take these to politicians, the media and wider world
· Build close relationships with key decision-makers to influence food education policy
· Raise awareness of food education within the educational community
· Support the steering committee to raise funds
· Grow and solidify the Food Education Network, setting out a one-year plan with clear objectives, purpose, operations and governance
· Continue to build the membership of the Network, reaching out to organisations in the food education sector who can help add to the Network’s voice and evidence
Ideal Candidate
· Can work confidently in a start-up role to grow an organisation almost from scratch
· Solid understanding of public affairs, policymaking, and communications
· Significant experience of working in advocacy at a senior level
· Proven ability to effectively influence a range of political stakeholders and communicate complex policy positions verbally and in writing
· Ability to bring together a range of stakeholders behind a shared strategy, matrix managing multi-disciplinary teams across organisations and managing differences of position and views
· Comfortable with managing multiple workstream, rapidly assessing the changing political environment and adapting strategies accordingly
· Genuine interest in championing food education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here.
The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.
About the role
You’ll lead an established and growing team responsible for delivering exceptional supporter care, accurate income processing and the high-quality fundraising compliance. This is a hands-on leadership role where strategic thinking meets operational delivery. You’ll manage people, processes, platforms and performance.
You’ll have ownership of our supporter care operations, from frontline response-handling to behind-the-scenes processes such as income processing and fundraising team fulfilment. To ensure responses are accurate and on brand, donations are handled securely and in line with fundraising regulations and our supporters get the best experience from all these areas, thanking and fulfilment. You’ll also leads on supporting the wider engagement team with fundraising compliance, ensuring organisational processes and policies are fit for purpose and that all our fundraising marketing and gift aid audit trail is compliant long with organisational wide adherence to PCI DSS.
About you
In this role, you’ll need:
· A strong experience in a customer service leadership role, ideally within a fundraising or supporter care environment
· An excellent knowledge in fundraising compliance and assurance as well as adhering to regulatory compliance for gift aid and income processing including PCI DISS compliance
· Excellent communication skills, and you’re known for your empathy, ability to stay calm under pressure, and ability to build strong relationships across teams
· To be a strategic thinker who can balance operational detail with long-term supporter experience opportunities and manging risks. You’ll have a hands-on approach to problem-solving and a passion for continuous improvement
· To thrive on leading the team to achieve results through leading by example, mentorship and advocating for their needs
Job description and benefits
Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.
Primary location of role and hybrid working
This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.
When applying
We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact Breast Cancer Now recruitment.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.
Closing date
Monday 11th August 2025 at 9:00am
We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.
Interview date
1st Interview stage: 18th and 19th August 2025
2nd interview stage: Monday 1st September 2025
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
War Child’s mission is to reach, protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of every child living in conflict zones. They want a world that is safer for children to live in. Very sadly, at the moment, 1 in 5 children are living in or fleeing from conflict – that number is too high, and War Child wants to change it.
War Child is looking for an experienced fundraising leader to step into a key senior leadership role during a year of real momentum.
As Interim Director of Philanthropy and Partner Engagement, you’ll lead a high-performing team of around 15, covering major donors, principal giving, trusts and foundations, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, and gaming. Together, the team brings in around £10m of War Child’s £15–16m annual income.
You’ll report to the CEO and sit on the Senior Leadership Team, with shared responsibility for income generation, strategic planning, and organisational leadership. This is an opportunity to guide a strong team through its next phase of growth, support exciting developments already underway, and help shape the future of War Child’s fundraising.
We’re looking for a confident, strategic leader with experience at director level, or someone ready to step up from a senior head role in a complex organisation. You’ll bring a strong track record in high-value fundraising, with the credibility and judgement to operate at executive level and lead a diverse team through a period of delivery and growth.
As Interim Philanthropy and Partner Engagement Director, you will:
- Oversee and support a multi-disciplinary fundraising team spanning major donors, partnerships, gaming, principal giving, institutional funding, and events
- Lead strategic planning and budgeting across the function, ensuring strong performance, income growth and long-term value
- Maximise outcomes from Winter Wassail (December 2025), War Child’s flagship gala event with a £2m target and major stewardship opportunity
- Support and strengthen the corporate partnerships function, working closely with the Head of Partnerships to refine strategy and unlock potential
- Guide the development of the principal gifts function, with a new senior hire expected before the handover
- Shape next steps for gaming and digital partnerships, following an external review
- Take a strategic view of events-based philanthropy, identifying opportunities to evolve and diversify
Ideal skills and experience:
- Significant experience in corporate partnerships, with the ability to develop strategy, support senior fundraisers and identify long-term opportunities
- Strong knowledge of high-value fundraising, including major donors, principal giving and events-led philanthropy
- Experience leading managers and senior fundraisers across multiple income streams, ideally within a similarly sized or complex organisation
- A strategic mindset, with hands-on involvement in planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting
- A collaborative, emotionally intelligent leadership style that combines high challenge with high support
- The ability to influence across teams and departments; experience in international development is helpful but not essential
- The confidence to represent War Child with major donors, partners, and senior stakeholders, both internally and externally
- Willingness to take ownership of compliance areas, including GDPR, gambling regulation and trademark risk, with support from internal specialists
Benefits include:
- Flexible working – War Child recognise the considerable benefits that flexible working can bring and are happy to discuss any possible flexible working options with employees from hiring. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, an element of working from home, compressed hours.
- Annual leave – 28 days per year (full-time), plus UK bank holidays
- Pension – all eligible employees automatically enrolled into a Group Personal Pension Plan with a 5% employer contribution, with minimum employee contribution on a salary sacrifice basis
- Health & wellbeing – employees may take advantage of a healthcare cash plan and a range of wellbeing initiatives and training. In addition, all employees have access to free, confidential one-to-one wellbeing consultations with trained counsellors.
- Learning & development – dedicated to the investment in learning and continuing professional development for all our employees
- Range of flexible benefits such a Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans
No child should be a part of war. Ever.
Purpose of the post
The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project. We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.
This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including: establishing and coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks.
Main responsibilities
Planning & strategy delivery
· Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
· Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
· Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
· Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
· Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.
Practical engagement and involvement
· Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
· Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme. To include, for example:
o Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
o Recruiting and running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
o Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
· Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
· Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
· Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
· Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.
Team support
- Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
- Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
- Sharing examples of emerging good practice and CEI (Community Engagement & Involvement) impact across the research team.
Wider
- Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider CEI communities of practice
- Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
- Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria
· Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
· Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
· A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
· Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement, including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
· Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including marginalised and vulnerable groups
· Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
· Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
· Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
· Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
· Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
· Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.
· Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)
Desirable criteria
· Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
· Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
· Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
· Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
· Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
· Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)
Dimensions
· This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
· Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
· AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.
Values
It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.
About Us
We’re Learning and Work Institute, an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work.
We're focused on the big questions. How do we help more people find work and build careers in a changing jobs market? How do we help people to be active and engaged citizens? How can more adults develop their skills over their lifetime?
About the role
This role within our external affairs team focuses on securing impact for our work through the management and delivery of effective communications, events, campaigns and public affairs work.
This varied role involves management of L&W’s digital communications, press and media work, stakeholder relations and events throughout the year. The role also involves supporting the delivery of L&W’s flagship campaign, Get the Nation Learning, and supporting L&W’s public affairs work. The postholder will work closely with the senior management and research and development teams to develop and deliver effective communications and influencing strategies, and to support fundraising through sponsorship of our events and other communications activities. The role involves working with our team in Wales who lead on campaigns and activities in Wales.
The ideal candidate will need experience of working in a busy communications role; experience of developing and delivering in person and online events; a track record of building relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels; flexibility and adaptability; excellent project management skills; and an interest in adult learning, employment and skills policy.
Duties and Responsibilities
Communications
- Secure press and media coverage for L&W’s work, including proactively identifying opportunities to promote our work, responding to press and media enquiries, and working with colleagues to launch research reports and other outputs.
- Lead the development of regular and ad-hoc external communications, including press releases, newsletters and marketing communications.
- Manage our social media channels and website, producing regular, high-quality content.
- Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.
Events
- Manage the planning and delivery of L&W’s in-person and online events, including our annual Employment and Skills Convention.
- Work with internal and external colleagues to develop content for L&W’s events, including securing high-profile speakers.
- Secure sponsorship for L&W’s events.
- Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.
Campaigns
- Support the delivery of Get the Nation Learning, including national awards, Get the Nation Learning Week, and regional adult learning awards.
- Work with colleagues to secure sponsorship for Get the Nation Learning.
Policy and public affairs
- Support the planning and delivery of L&W’s public affairs activities, with a focus on UK Parliament, UK Government, Mayoral Combined Authorities, and local government in England, in order to raise our profile and deliver impact.
- Undertake regular public affairs activities, including: horizon scanning and planning for upcoming parliamentary activity; writing to Ministers and MPs; coordinating parliamentary briefings, parliamentary questions and consultation responses; and other policy influencing opportunities.
- Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.
Other duties
- Line manage staff according to organisational need.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility for this post.
About you
Essential criteria:
- Excellent communication (oral and written), good copywriting, with the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences.
- Proficient in MS Office.
- Strong social media skills including the use of platforms such as Bluesky and LinkedIn, with proficiency in the use of web and social media analytics tools, such as Google Analytics.
- Basic design skills and familiarity with design software, such as Canva.
- Proficient in the use of CRM, email marketing and website editing software.
- Strong project management skills.
- Knowledge of the press and media, and how to secure coverage.
- Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.
- Proven experience in a communications role.
- Experience of designing and managing events.
- Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads, negotiate and meet deadlines.
Desirable Criteria:
- Knowledge of the policy-making process and how to influence it.
- Knowledge of current policy and practice in education, skills, and employment, and associated areas of public policy.
- Experience of managing successful influencing campaigns.
- Experience of fundraising, marketing and securing sponsorship to support activities.
- People management.
A full job description and person specification is available on our website.
Benefits
Salary of £35,450 - £44,115, depending on experience and location
- 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.
- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
- Group Life Assurance 3*salary
- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)
- Flexible working practices
- Employee Development Scheme
- Retailer Discounts
- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay
- Enhanced occupational sick pay
- Eye care scheme
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
- Gold award in Investors in People
The Head of Finance is a key member of Tara Theatre’s senior management team, overseeing the company’s financial processes and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. They will report to Alys Beider, Tara’s new Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive and support with strategic long-term financial and business planning as well as annual and quarterly budgeting.
They are responsible for maintaining the company accounts, preparing quarterly management accounts, cashflow forecasts and financial reports and analysis for the executive team and the board of trustees.
Tara Theatre is a company limited by guarantee and a charity. It has two trading subsidiaries, Tara Productions and Tara Enterprises. We currently have an annual turnover of circa £1 million. We manage our finances and payroll in-house, currently using Xero.
As our Head of Finance, you may have a background in the arts and culture sector, however we are open to a range of skillsets gained from working in business or charity environments and encourage applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences.
We are open to the potential for the role to be part-time working four days per week (salary on a pro rata basis).
We welcome applications from candidates who wish to work in a flexible working pattern (for example around caring responsibilities or access requirements relating to a disability).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.